WESTERN BIRDS Bust-Tit 



to the fact that his companions have gone on, it is truly 

 comical to see the way he hurries to overtake them. It 

 is as if he feared some bugaboo of the deserted tree 

 would leap forth and devour him. 



Old and young might well learn a lesson from these 

 midgets; a lesson not only in industry and faithful per- 

 formance of the tasks undertaken, but of good fellow- 

 ship and friendly comradeship. Never have I heard any 

 dissension, or scolding note, among the Bush-tits. It is 

 peace, harmony, and good cheer wherever they roam. 

 Blessed midgets, would that the east might also have 

 them to enjoy. 



Like the Chickadees they are veritable acrobats, car- 

 ing not how they hold onto a leaf, or twig. Under side 

 will do quite as well for them as upper. 



Dr. Joseph Grinnell, in volume V, No. 4, of The 

 Condor, has an interesting article on the call notes of 

 the Bush-tit. He tells of one habit these birds have 

 which they use in times of danger. An instance is cited 

 where a flock of the birds were foraging in the tree-tops 

 when a bird in one tree began a shrill wavering whistle 

 and instantly every bird in the trees took up the same 

 call, while they remained immovable on their perches. 

 The noise and the rigid posture was maintained until a 

 hawk, which they had spied above them, had passed 

 them by. Grinnell says that the note given from so 

 many throats in so many places made it impossible to 

 locate and they were safe. 



Undoubtedly, all bird students have noticed the ven- 

 triloquistic ability of many birds. How almost impos- 

 sible it is to locate them, although you know just about 

 where they are. While disconcerting to the bird student, 

 it protects the bird. 



The nesting habits of these birds are most interesting, 

 and the nest a work of art. In their southern range they 

 are fond of oak trees, but also use peppers, eucalyptus, 



337 



